Adjustable outlet for mobile blower

ABSTRACT

A blower includes a motor mounted to a frame. The frame includes wheels mounted to the frame. The blower includes a fan powered by the motor and a blower outlet. The fan is configured to expel air from the fan through the blower outlet. The blower outlet is movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The blower includes a horizontal control for controlling a horizontal position of the blower outlet. The blower includes a vertical control for controlling a vertical position of the blower outlet. Both the horizontal and vertical controls are positioned remote from the blower outlet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/836,498, filed on Apr. 19, 2019, entitled ADJUSTABLE OUTLET FORMOBILE BLOWER, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Mobile blowers are often used to move leaves/debris on a surface such aslawns, fields, parking areas, and other areas. The blowers often utilizea fan to output a stream of air that is used by the operator to move theleaves/debris off the surface. The blowers require the operator to makemultiple passes to direct the debris to various locations all whileavoiding inadvertently blowing/moving unwanted debris (e.g., rocksagainst vehicles). Blowers often only have a fixed horizontal output forthe stream of air. Even if the horizontal output of the stream of air isadjustable, blowers require the operator to stop the unit and throttledown before manually changing the position of the blower outlet. Thisresults in a cumbersome activity that requires additional effort tocomplete the task.

Therefore, improvements in mobile blowers are needed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile blowers. In onepossible configuration, and by non-limiting example, a mobile blowerincludes a blower outlet that can be remotely controlled so as to movethe blower outlet in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction isdisclosed.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a blower is disclosed. Theblower includes a motor mounted to a frame. The frame includes wheelsmounted to the frame. The blower includes a fan powered by the motor anda blower outlet. The fan is configured to expel air from the fan throughthe blower outlet. The blower outlet is movable in a horizontaldirection and a vertical direction. The blower includes a horizontalcontrol for controlling a horizontal position of the blower outlet. Theblower includes a vertical control for controlling a vertical positionof the blower outlet. Both the horizontal and vertical controls arepositioned remote from the blower outlet.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a blower is disclosed. Theblower includes a motor mounted to a frame. The frame includes wheelsmounted to the frame. The blower includes a fan powered by the motor.The blower includes a blower outlet. The fan is configured to expel airfrom the fan through the blower outlet. The blower outlet includes ahorizontal flow element that is movably mounted to the frame. The bloweroutlet includes a vertical flow element that is movably attached to thehorizontal flow element. The vertical flow element is movable withrespect to the horizontal flow element. At least one of the horizontaland vertical flow elements are biased to a neutral position. The blowerincludes a control station attached to the frame. The control stationincludes a horizontal control for that controls movement of thehorizontal flow element of the blower outlet and a vertical control thatcontrols movement of the vertical flow element of the blower outlet.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a blower is disclosed. Theblower includes a motor mounted to a frame. The frame includes wheelsmounted to the frame. The blower includes a fan powered by the motor.The blower includes a blower outlet configured to direct air from thefan. The blower includes a control station that is attached to theframe. The control station includes a first control for controllingmovement of the blower outlet in a first direction. The control stationincludes a second control for controlling movement of the blower outletin a second direction. The control station includes at least one of amotor control that is configured to control the motor and a self-propelcontrol that is configured to control a driving speed of the wheels.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use inconjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denotelike elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower, according to one example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a zoomed-in side view of the blower of FIG. 1 with ahorizontal flow element of a blower outlet in a forward facing position.

FIG. 3 is another zoomed-in side view of the blower of FIG. 1 with thehorizontal flow element of the blower outlet in a side facing position.

FIG. 4 is a top schematic view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 in a forward position.

FIG. 5 is a top schematic view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 in a forward right position.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 in a forward left position.

FIG. 7 is a top schematic view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 in a left position.

FIG. 8 is a top schematic view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 in a right position.

FIG. 9 is a front zoomed-in view of the blower outlet of the blower ofFIG. 1 with a vertical flow element of the blower outlet in an upwardposition.

FIG. 10 is another front zoomed-in view of the blower outlet of theblower of FIG. 1 with the vertical flow element of the blower outlet ina downward position.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective zoomed-in view of the horizontal flowelement of the blower outlet of the blower of FIG. 1 in a forward facingposition.

FIG. 12 is another rear perspective zoomed-in view of the horizontalflow element of the blower outlet of the blower of FIG. 1 in a sidefacing position.

FIG. 13 is another front zoomed-in view of the blower outlet of theblower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective zoomed-in view of the blower outletpositioned in an outlet housing of the blower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the blower outlet positioned in anoutlet housing of the blower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the horizontal flow element of the bloweroutlet of the blower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the blower outlet of theblower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a portion of the blower outlet of theblower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a control station of the blower ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the control station of theblower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the control station of the blower of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

A blower 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The blower 100 includes a frame 102including wheels 104, a motor 106 mounted to the frame 102, a fan 108rotatably positioned within a housing 110, a blower outlet 112, and acontrol station 114.

The blower 100 has a front 101 and a rear 103. In some examples, duringoperation of the blower 100, an operator is generally positionedadjacent the control station 114 at the rear 103, and the blower 100travels in a travel direction 109, shown with an arrow. In someexamples, the blower 100 is self-propelled. In some examples, theoperator walks behind the blower 100 during operation. In some examples,the blower 100 can carry the operator. For example, the blower 100 caninclude a seat. In other examples, the blower 100 can include a platformfor the operator to stand on during operation.

The frame 102 supports the components of the blower 100 on the wheels104. As depicted, the frame 102 includes a plurality of wheels 104. Insome examples, the frame 102 includes three wheels 104. In otherexamples, the frame 102 can include tracks instead of wheels.

The motor 106 powers the rotation of the fan 108. In some examples, themotor 106 can also at least power the rotation of the wheels 104 so asto provide the blower 100 with a self-propel feature. In some examples,the motor 106 is an internal combustion engine. In other examples, themotor 106 is an electric motor. In other examples still, the motor 106is a hybrid electric motor.

The fan 108 is configured to be rotated by the motor 106 to output astream of air at the blower outlet 112. In some examples, the fan 108 isconfigured to be rotated by the motor 106 within the housing 110. Thehousing 110 is mounted to the frame 102. In some examples, the fan 108can be connected to the blower 100 via a clutch to selectively connectthe fan 108 to the motor 106. The fan 108 can include a plurality ofblades that are configured to rotate around a single axis. In someexamples, the fan 108 is connected to the motor 106 via a belt, chain,or the like. In other examples, the fan 108 is directly connected to anoutput shaft of the motor 106. In other examples, a rotational directionof the fan 108 is reversible.

The blower outlet 112 is configured to receive air blown by the fan 108and output the blown air as a stream of air for use. The blower outlet112 is remotely controlled so that the blower outlet 112 can be moved inat least a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In someexamples, the position of the blower outlet 112 can be controlled at thecontrol station 114 while the blower 100 is in operation. Such controlnot only allows the operator more control over debris, but also allowsthe operator to more efficiently perform a task that was once cumbersomeand time consuming. The blower outlet 112 includes a horizontal flowelement 116 and a vertical flow element 118.

The horizontal flow element 116 can be moved in a horizontal directionand is movably attached to the housing 110 of the fan 108. In someexamples, the horizontal flow element 116 is connected to the blower100, specifically the frame 102, via the housing 110 and an outlethousing 107. In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116 is movedby an electronic or mechanical actuation mechanism. In some examples,the horizontal flow element 116 is connected to, and moved by, a pair ofcables 111 a, 111 b that act as actuation mechanisms and travel to thecontrol station 114 for manipulation. In some examples, the movement ofthe horizontal flow element 116 can be controlled by a single cable. Insome examples, the movement of the horizontal flow element 116 iscontrolled by a single cable and a spring.

In the depicted example, the horizontal flow element 116 is generally acurved tube with an opening 115. In some examples, the horizontal flowelement 116 has a bend so as to direct an air stream horizontally. Insome examples, the bend is about 90 degrees. Such a configuration allowsfor the easy passage of air within the horizontal flow element 116.However, the horizontal flow element 116 can be configured in a varietyof ways and not depart from the present disclosure.

The vertical flow element 118 is movably connected to the horizontalflow element 116. In some examples, the vertical flow element 118 ismoved by an electronic or mechanical actuation mechanism. In someexamples, the vertical flow element 118 is connected to, and moved by, acable 117 that acts as an actuation mechanism and travels to the controlstation 114 for manipulation. In some examples, the movement of thevertical flow element 118 can be controlled by a of pair cables. In someexamples, the vertical flow element 118 is pivotally connected to thehorizontal flow element 116.

The vertical flow element 118 controls the vertical trajectory of theair leaving the opening 115 of the horizontal flow element. In someexamples, the vertical flow element 118 has a louvered design with asingle or plurality of louvers 113. In some examples, the vertical flowelement 118 has a tube-like design. The vertical flow element 118 can beconfigured in a variety of ways and not depart from the presentdisclosure.

In some examples, the vertical and horizontal directions of the bloweroutlet 112 can be control by a single flow element, such as by a movableguide connected to the housing 110 forming a ball joint.

The control station 114 allows the operator to control the operation ofthe blower 100. In some examples, the control station 114 includes aplurality of controls 120 to control at least one of a motor operation,a self-propel speed, a horizontal position of the blower outlet, and avertical output position of the blower outlet 112.

FIG. 2 shows a zoomed-in view of the blower outlet 112 on the blower100. As shown, the horizontal flow element 116 is positioned in aforward position so that the opening 115 is facing toward the front end101 of the blower 100. FIG. 3 shows the horizontal flow element 116positioned in a side facing position so that the opening 115 is facingaway from the front end 101 and to a side of the blower 100. Thehorizontal flow element 116 can be configured to rotate to a variety ofdifferent positions. In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116has a plurality of side facing positions.

The horizontal flow element 116 can be adjusted remotely so that theoperator can adjust the horizontal position of the horizontal flowelement 116 at any time, including while the blower 100 is beingoperated. In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116 can have aplurality of preset positions. In other examples, the horizontal flowelement 116 can be infinitely adjusted by the operator. In someexamples, the horizontal flow element 116 is biased to a neutralposition. In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116 is biased toa neutral, forward position so that air is output toward the front end101 of the blower 100.

FIG. 4 shows a top schematic view of the blower outlet 112 with thehorizontal flow element 116 in a forward position.

FIG. 5 shows a top schematic view of the blower outlet 112 with thehorizontal flow element 116 in a forward right position.

FIG. 6 shows a top schematic view of the blower outlet 112 with thehorizontal flow element 116 in a forward left position.

FIG. 7 shows a top schematic view of the blower outlet 112 with thehorizontal flow element 116 in a left position.

FIG. 8 shows a top schematic view of the blower outlet 112 with thehorizontal flow element 116 in a right position.

The horizontal flow element 116 of the blower outlet 112 can be rotated(indicated by arrows in FIG. 4) in a horizontal plane generally parallelto the ground and around a horizontal flow element axis X. In someexamples, the horizontal flow element 116 can be rotated so that theopening 115 has about 90 degrees of horizontal rotational freedom. Insome examples, the horizontal flow element 116 can be rotated so thatthe opening 115 has about 180 degrees of horizontal rotational freedom.In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116 can be rotated so thatthe opening 115 has about 270 degrees of horizontal rotational freedom.In some examples, the horizontal flow element 116 can be rotated so thatthe opening 115 has about 360 degrees of horizontal rotational freedom.

A first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourthquadrant are shown schematically. In some examples, during operation ofthe blower 100, the opening 115 will be operated mostly in the first andsecond quadrants between the left position, shown in FIG. 7, and theright position, shown in FIG. 8. Such a range of rotation allows theopening 115 to be orientated to either side of the blower 100. Thisallows the operator complete control over the blower outlet 112, therebyallowing the operator to operate the blower 100 without having to makecumbersome maneuvers to direct the debris to be blown to variouslocations. For example, a operator can first make a pass with the bloweroutlet 112 facing in the right direction and then the operator can movethe blower outlet 112 and make a pass with the blower outlet 112 in theleft direction.

In some examples, the blower 100 can be configured to allow the operatorto selectively rotate the opening 115 into the third and fourthquadrants. For example, the opening 115 can be rotated into the thirdand fourth quadrants only when the operator wants to control the airstream from contacting the environment, such as when near rocks or otherobjects that the operator does not want the air stream to blowon/toward.

FIG. 9 shows the vertical flow element 118 positioned in an upwardposition, directing the air stream upward from the ground. FIG. 10 showsthe vertical flow element 118 positioned in a downward position. In someexamples, the vertical flow element 118 can have a plurality of presetpositions between the upward position and the downward position. Inother examples, the horizontal flow element 116 can be infinitelyadjusted between the upward position and the downward position by theoperator. The vertical flow element 118 rotates about a vertical flowelement axis Y. In some examples, the vertical flow element 118 isbiased to the neutral position. In some examples, the vertical flowelement 118 is biased to the neutral, upward position so that air isoutput upward and does not immediately affect the ground environmentaround the blower 100.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the blower outlet 112. Asshown, the horizontal flow element 116 is positioned in a forwardposition facing the front 101 of the blower 100. In the depictedexample, the horizontal flow element 116 includes a stop 122 thatinterfaces with a stop surface 124 positioned on the outlet housing 107to limit horizontal rotation of the horizontal flow element 116.

FIG. 12 shows a rear perspective view of the stop 122 interfacing withthe stop surface 124, thereby limiting the horizontal rotation of thehorizontal flow element 116.

The stop 122 can have a variety of configurations. In the depictedexample, the stop 122 is a projection on the horizontal flow element116. In some examples, the stop 122 can be formed with the horizontalflow element 116. In other examples, the stop 122 can be separatelyconnected to the horizontal flow element 116. In some examples, the stop122 can be located within a channel or recess of the horizontal flowelement 116.

As shown in the front view of the blower outlet 112 in FIG. 13, the stopsurface 124 can have a plate-like construction to ease manufacturing. Insome examples, the stop surface 124 is attached to the outlet housing107.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the blower outlet 112 mounted withinthe outlet housing 107. As shown, the outlet housing 107 has amulti-part design. In the depicted example, the outlet housing 107includes a first portion 121 and a second portion 123 that areconfigured to mate together to form the complete outlet housing 107. Insome examples, the outlet housing 107 can include more than twoportions. In some examples, the outlet housing 107 can be a singleportion. In some examples, the outlet housing 107 can be integral withthe housing 110 of the fan 108. In some examples, the outlet housing 107is separate from the housing 110 of the fan 108.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the blower outlet 112 mountedwithin the outlet housing 107. As shown, the outlet housing 107 includesan outlet housing bearing flange 126 and recess 128. In some examples,at least one of the outlet housing bearing flange 126 and recess 128 arepositioned substantially around the horizontal flow element 116. Onlythe first portion 121 of the outlet housing 107 is shown in FIG. 15. Insome examples, the horizontal flow element 116 is positioned around theoutlet housing 107. In some examples, the bearing flange 126 ispositioned above and below the recess 128. In some examples, the bearingflange 126 is positioned either or above or below the recess 128.

The horizontal flow element 116 includes a corresponding horizontal flowelement flange 130 that is configured to mate with the outlet housingbearing flange 126 so that the horizontal flow element 116 is preventedfrom being separated from the outlet housing 107. While not removablefrom, the horizontal flow element 116 is rotatable with respect to theoutlet housing 107, specifically the outlet housing bearing flange 126.In some examples, the outlet housing bearing flange 126 acts as abushing. In some examples, the outlet housing bearing flange 126 caninclude a bearing positioned between the outlet housing 107 and thehorizontal flow element 116. The horizontal flow element 116 alsoincludes a control flange 132 that is accommodated within the recess 128of the outlet housing 107. In some example, the control flange includesthe pair of cables 111 a,111 b mounted thereto.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of the horizontal flow element 116. Thehorizontal flow element 116 includes the opening 115, the stop 122, thehorizontal flow element flange 130, the control flange 132, a horizontalcable mount 134 on the control flange 132, a vertical cable mount 136, avertical flow element spring post 138, and a vertical flow elementattachment aperture 140.

As noted above, rotation of the horizontal flow element 116 iscontrolled by a pair of cables 111 a, 111 b. The horizontal cable mount134 facilitates the mounting of the cables 111 a, 111 b to thehorizontal flow element 116. In some examples, the horizontal cablemount 134 is a clamp. In some examples, the cables 111 a, 111 b caninclude stops 143a, 143b at the end of the cables 111 a, 111 b. Thehorizontal cable mount 134 clamps the cables 111 a, 111 b to the controlflange 132 behind both the stops 143a, 143b, allowing for the cables 111a, 111 b to be secured to the control flange 132. The horizontal cablemount 134 can be configured in a variety of ways without departing fromthe present disclosure. For example, a single cable can mounted at onepositioned on the horizontal flow element 116.

Like the horizontal cable mount 134, the vertical cable mount 136 isconfigured to secure the cable 117, used to control the position of thevertical flow element 118, to the horizontal flow element 116. In someexamples, the vertical cable mount 136 is a clamp.

The vertical flow element spring post 138 and the vertical flow elementattachment aperture 140 are both configured to aid in mounting thevertical flow element 118 to the horizontal flow element 116. In someexamples, the vertical flow element spring post aids in mounting atorsion spring that controls the bias of the vertical flow element 118to the horizontal flow element 116. The vertical flow element attachmentaperture 140 is configured to receive a fastener used to fasten verticalflow element 118 to the horizontal flow element 116. In some examples,the fastener is a post, a shaft, or the like. In some examples, thevertical flow element attachment aperture 140 defines the vertical flowelement axis Y.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the vertical flow element 118attached to the horizontal flow element 116. FIG. 18 shows a dissembledview of the vertical flow element 118 separated from the horizontal flowelement 116. The vertical flow element 118 includes the louver 113, amain body 142, an attachment flange 144, and a spring 146.

As shown, the vertical flow element 118, specifically the main body 142,surrounds the opening 115 of the horizontal flow element 116. In otherexamples, the vertical flow element 118 does not surround the opening115. As depicted, the main body 142 has a generally conical shape andaids the louver 113 to direct the air stream exiting the opening 115.

The attachment flange 144 allows the vertical flow element 118 to besecured to the horizontal flow element 116. In some examples, theattachment flange 144 can include fasteners to secure the attachmentflange 144 to the vertical flow element attachment aperture 140 of thehorizontal flow element 116.

The spring 146 facilitates biasing the vertical flow element 118 to anupward position. The spring 146 is positioned in contact with thevertical flow element spring post 138 and the vertical flow element 118,and around the vertical flow element attachment aperture 140. In someexamples, the , the spring 146 biases the vertical flow element 118 in aneutral position In some examples, the vertical flow element 118 ismoved by the cable 117 upwardly so that, sans input from the operator,the vertical flow element 118 faces in a upward neutral position. Insome examples, the vertical flow element 118 is moved by the cable 117upwardly so that, sans input from the operator, the vertical flowelement 118 faces in a downward neutral position.

FIG. 19 shows a top perspective view of the control station 114. FIG.20. shows a bottom perspective view of the control station 114. FIG. 21.shows a bottom view of the control station 114.

The control station 114 include controls 120 and a frame 125 that isattached to the frame 102. In some examples, at least some of thecontrols 120 are mounted to the frame 125. The controls 120 of thecontrol station 114 include a first control 148 for controlling movementof the horizontal flow element 116, a second control 150 for controllingthe movement of the vertical flow element 118,a motor control 152configured to control the operation of the motor 106, and a self-propelcontrol 154 configured to control a driving speed of the wheels 104. Thecontrol station 114 can be configured in a variety of different wayswithout departing from the present disclosure. The first control 148,the second control 150, the motor control 152 and the self-propelcontrol 154 can be located at a variety of different locations at thecontrol station 114.

It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that thefirst control can be configured in a variety of different ways. In thedepicted example, the first control 148 includes a lever 156, a leverspring 158, and a pair of cable guides 160 a, 160 b.

The lever 156 includes a handle 162, a main body 164, a pivot point 166,a first attachment point 168, and a second attachment point 170. Thelever 156 can be moved within a recess 172 of the control station frame125 so that the horizontal flow element 116 is moved with movement ofthe lever 156. In some examples, the control station frame 125 doesinclude the recess 125.

The recess 172 can have a plurality of notches 174 that are eachconfigured to receive and hold the lever 156. Each notch 174 correspondswith a preset rotational position of the horizontal flow element 116. Insome examples, the notches 174 can be organized so that the location ofeach notch corresponds to the horizontal position of the blower outlet112. For example, if the lever 156 is positioned in the notches in aleft group 176, the blower output 112, specifically the opening 115,faces to left of the blower 100 (shown in FIG. 7). If the lever 156 ispositioned in the notches in a right group 178, the blower output 112,specifically the opening 115, faces to right of the blower 100 (shown inFIG. 8). In some examples, there are no notches 174 at a portion 177 ofthe recess 172 where the blower outlet 112 is orientation facing a wheel104. In such an example, the operator is informed of the position of theblower outlet 112 based on the position of the lever 156 within thenotches 174. This prevents the operator from having visually monitor theposition of the blower outlet 112.

In some examples, the notches 174 can be organized in an operationalgroup and a non-operational group. In some examples, when the lever 156is positioned in a notch of the operational group, the horizontal flowelement is positioned in at least one of the first and the secondquadrants (see FIG. 4). In some examples, when the lever 156 ispositioned in a notch of the non-operational group, the horizontal flowelement 116 is positioned in at least one of the third and the fourthquadrants.

The handle 162 is connected to the main body 164 of the lever 156. Thehandle 162 is configured to be engaged by the operator. The handle 162is positioned at a back side 161, opposite a front side 159, of thecontrol station 114, within easy reach of where the operator isstationed during operation of the blower 100. The main body 164 of thelever 156 is sized and shaped to interface and hold the lever 156 withina notch 174 of the recess 172.

As the lever 156 is moved, the lever 156 pivots about the pivot point166, which is also where the lever 156 is pivotally attached the frame125 of the control station 114. The pivot point 166 also allows thelever 156 to be moved upward and downward within the recess 172 to allowthe lever 156 to be repositioned from notch 174 to notch 174.

The first and second attachment points 168, 170 allow the lever 156 tobe connected to the cables 111 a, 111 b that control the movement of thehorizontal flow element 116. In some examples, the first and secondattachment points 168, 170 are apertures in the main body 164 of thelever 156.

As the lever 156 is moved from side to side within the recess 172, oneof the cables 111 a, 111 b is pulled while the opposite cable 111 a, 111b is pushed. Such an arrangement allows for predictable positivemovement of the horizontal flow element 116. This allows the operator toknow the particular rotational position of the horizontal flow element116 at all times, without having to visually inspect the horizontal flowelement 116. In other examples, a spring and a single cable attached tothe horizontal flow element 116 can be utilized to control the movementof the horizontal flow element 116.

The lever spring 158 is configured to bias the lever 156 to a particularposition within the recess 172. In some examples, the lever spring 158biases the lever 156 to be centered within the recess 172 when the lever156 is not positioned within a notch 174.

The cable guides 160 a, 160 b guide the cable 111 a, 111 b to and fromthe lever 156 to prevent unwanted bending in the cables 111 a. 111 b.Depending on the routing of the cables 111 a, 111 b, the first control148 does not utilize cable guides. In some of the examples, the cableguides 160 a, 160 b are spools.

The second control 150 includes a lever 180 that is moved to control themovement of the vertical flow element 118. The lever 180 is connected tothe frame 102 at the control station 114 and to the cable 117. The lever180 is pivotable about a pivot point 182 and when the lever 180 ispivoted by the operator, movement of the vertical flow element 118 isfacilitated. In some examples, moving the lever 180 closer to the frame102 causes the vertical flow element 118 to move from the upwardposition toward the downward position. In some examples, moving thelever 180 closer to the frame 102 causes the vertical flow element 118to move from the downward position toward the upward position.

The motor control 152, seen in FIG. 19, controls the operation of themotor 106. In some examples, the motor control 152 controls theoperational speed of the motor. In some examples still, a position of athrottle of the motor 106 is controlled by the motor control 152. Insome examples, the motor control 152 is a movable lever.

The self-propel control 154 controls the driving speed of wheels 104. Insome examples, the blower 100 is not self-propelled and therefore doesnot include a self-propel control. The self-propel control 154 issubstantially similar to the second control 150, described above. Insome examples, the self-propel control 154 operates a clutch of aself-propel system thereby controlling when the blower 100 isself-propelled.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A blower comprising: a motor mounted to a frame, whereinthe frame includes wheels mounted to the frame; a fan powered by themotor; a blower outlet, the fan being configured to expel air from thefan through the blower outlet, the blower outlet being movable in ahorizontal direction and a vertical direction; a horizontal control forcontrolling a horizontal position of the blower outlet; and a verticalcontrol for controlling a vertical position of the blower outlet,wherein both the horizontal and vertical controls are positioned remotefrom the blower outlet.
 2. The blower of claim 1, wherein both thehorizontal and vertical controls are attached to the frame at a controlstation, wherein the control station further includes at least onehandle to control the movement of the blower.
 3. The blower of claim 1,wherein the both the horizontal and vertical controls are connected tothe blower outlet by way of cables.
 4. The blower of claim 1, whereinthe blower outlet is biased to a neutral vertical position.
 5. Theblower of claim 1, wherein the blower outlet is biased to a neutralhorizontal position.
 6. The blower of claim 1, wherein the blower outletincludes a vertical flow element movably attached to a horizontal flowelement, wherein the vertical flow element is movable with respect tothe horizontal flow element.
 7. The blower of claim 6, wherein thehorizontal flow element is movably mounted to the frame.
 8. The blowerof claim 7, wherein the horizontal flow element includes a stop forlimiting the rotation of the horizontal flow element with respect to theframe.
 9. A blower comprising: a motor mounted to a frame, wherein theframe includes wheels mounted to the frame; a fan powered by the motor;a blower outlet, the fan being configured to expel air from the fanthrough the blower outlet, the blower outlet including: a horizontalflow element movably mounted to the frame; and a vertical flow elementmovably attached to the horizontal flow element, wherein the verticalflow element is movable with respect to the horizontal flow element,wherein at least one of the horizontal and vertical flow elements arebiased to a neutral position; and a control station attached to theframe, wherein the control station includes: a horizontal control forcontrolling movement of the horizontal flow element of the bloweroutlet; and a vertical control for controlling movement of the verticalflow element of the blower outlet.
 10. The blower of claim 9, whereinthe vertical flow element is biased to a neutral position.
 11. Theblower of claim 9, wherein the control station includes a motor controlconfigured to control a position of a throttle of the motor.
 12. Theblower of claim 9, wherein the horizontal control is movable betweenpreset positions.
 13. The blower of claim 12, wherein the horizontalcontrol includes at least three preset positions.
 14. The blower ofclaim 9, wherein the horizontal control includes a first actuationmechanism and a second actuation mechanism, wherein both the firstactuation mechanism and the second actuation mechanism are connected tothe horizontal flow element.
 15. The blower of claim 14, wherein thefirst and second actuation mechanisms are cables, wherein, when thehorizontal control is moved in a first direction, the first actuationmechanism moves the horizontal flow element, and wherein the secondactuation mechanism moves the horizontal flow element in a seconddirection.
 16. A blower comprising: a motor mounted to a frame, whereinthe frame includes wheels mounted to the frame; a fan powered by themotor; a blower outlet configured to direct air from the fan; and acontrol station attached to the frame, wherein the control stationfurther includes: a first control for controlling movement of the bloweroutlet in a first direction; a second control for controlling movementof the blower outlet in a second direction; and at least one of thegroup comprising: a motor control configured to control the motor; and aself-propel control configured to control a driving speed of the wheels.17. The blower of claim 16, wherein the first control controls ahorizontal position of the blower outlet, and the second controlcontrols a vertical position of the blower outlet.
 18. The blower ofclaim 16, wherein the first control is movable between preset positions.19. The blower of claim 18, wherein the first control includes at leastthree preset positions.
 20. The blower of claim 16, wherein the firstcontrol includes a first actuation mechanism and a second actuationmechanism, wherein both the first actuation mechanism and the secondactuation mechanism are connected to the blower outlet.